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The nation's defense cabinet has formally approved the formalization of 19 additional settlements in the disputed Palestinian territories, representing a ongoing push for community development.

Hardline Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who lives in a settlement and proposed the measure together with Defence Minister Israel Katz, declared that the decision was aimed at preventing the establishment of a sovereign Palestine.

Under international law, Jewish communities in the disputed territories are deemed in violation of international law.

The announcement has drawn criticism from Saudi Arabia. The United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has previously stated that Israel's "relentless" growth of communities heightens frictions, limits Palestinians' use of land, and threatens the feasibility of a independent Palestine.

Escalating Tensions and Political Repercussions

Clashes in the occupied West Bank has escalated since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, further heightening apprehensions that settlement expansion could entrench Israel's occupation and weaken the chance for a two-state solution.

The two-state solution refers to the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its seat of government, largely along the boundaries that were in place prior to the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Since coming to power in late 2022, the current government in Jerusalem has ramped up the green-lighting of new settlements and initiated the legalisation process for informal outposts, recognising them as "extensions" of established communities.

Ongoing Growth

The most recent decision brings the total number of settlements authorized over the last three years to 69, according to Smotrich.

These decisions are announced only a few days after the UN stated that construction in settlements had hit its peak since the year 2017.

The most recent batch of approvals features the revival of two settlements — Ganim and Kadim — which were dismantled nearly 20 years ago.

Previously, the Israeli government authorized twenty-two additional communities in the territories - what was the most significant expansion in decades.

In a related development, the government also approved blueprints in August to build over 3,000 residences in the so-called E1 area between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement, a plan that had been on hold for many years amid strong international objection.

At that time, Smotrich stated it would "put to rest the idea of a Palestinian state."

Population Facts and Global Response

An estimated 700,000 Israeli settlers live in approximately 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as per data from the Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now. This is land that Palestinians envision for a prospective independent state.

This ongoing construction has drawn ire from neighboring countries who have steadfastly argued it erodes hopes for a peaceful two-state outcome.

It has also raised concerns about the potential annexing of the occupied West Bank.

Former American President Donald Trump had previously warned the Israeli leadership about this step, stating to a publication that the country would forfeit its backing from the US if it happened.

In a diplomatic shift, the UK - along with other nations such as Australia and Canada - recognised a State of Palestine, a notable although primarily ceremonial shift in official stance.

The Israeli government opposed this step, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that a sovereign Palestine "will not happen."